2. Ch. 6.1--The Revolution Begins
Main Idea
Problems in French society led to a revolution, the formation of a new government, and the end of the monarchy.

3. Causes of the Revolution
Long-standing resentments against the monarchy
Inequalities in society
Existing social and political structure
Called the Old Order, or ancient régime
King at the top and estates under him
King Louis XVI, shy and indecisive
Unpopular, self-indulgent queen, Marie-Antoinette
Rest of French society divided into three classes, called estates

4. Old Order Estates under Estates-General
Roman Catholic clergy
1% of the population
Exempt from taxes
Owned 10 percent of the land
Collected rents and fees
Bishops and other clergy grew wealthy
First Estate
Nobility
Less than 2% of pop.
Paid few taxes
Controlled much wealth
Held key positions
Government
Military
Lived on country estates
Second Estate
Largest group—97% of the population
Bourgeoisie—city-dwelling merchants, factory owners, and professionals
Sans culottes—artisans and workers
Peasants—poor with little hope, paid rents and fees
Third Estate

5. Further Causes 4. Enlightenment Ideas 5. A Financial Crisis
Inspiring new ideas from Enlightenment philosophers
Great Britain’s government limiting the king’s power
American colonists rebelled successfully against British king
New ideas changed government and society in other countries
4. Enlightenment Ideas
Severe economic problems
France in debt, spending lavishly, borrowing money, and facing bankruptcy
Hailstorm and drought ruined harvest; harsh winter limited flour production
People hungry and angry; clergy and nobility no help
5. A Financial Crisis

7. First Events of the Revolution
1789 Clergy and nobility lost power to monarchy--> no one happy
Estates General meets for first time in 175 years
Desire for reforms
Unfair voting as each estate gets only 1 vote
(especially for 3rd estate)
3rd Estate protests the voting and forms the National Assembly
Tennis Court Oath- meeting to force King Louis to change votes
Members would not leave until new govt is formed

8. Creating a New Nation under National Assembly
Feudal dues eliminated
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen laid out “liberty, equality, fraternity”
Inspired by the English Bill of Rights, American Declaration of Independence, and the writings of Enlightenment philosophers
Men are born equal and remain equal under the law
The rights did not extend to women
Legislating New Rights
Louis tried to protect his throne with troops
Angered the common people
Mob of 7000 angry women broke into the palace
King signs Dec of Rights of Man
Royal family seized by mob and moved to France
National Assembly passed laws against the church, clergy, and public employees
Restrictions on Power

9. Storming of the Bastille
People of Paris armed themselves
Great Fear rumors of soldiers cause reactions from peasants
Searching for weapons, a mob stormed the Bastille
King to punish the Third Estate with foreign soldiers
Peasants destroyed records and burned nobles’ houses
Violence acts led to continued violence during revolution

10. Formation of a New Government
In 1791, the Legislative Assembly is formed (by National Assembly)
Citizens gained broad voting rights, but rights were not universal.
25 yrs old, land owners, male
Constitution restricted power of king
Ended distinctions of birth.
King Louis and Marie-Antoinette dress up and try to escape to Austria but are caught

11. Reaction to a New Government
Austria and Prussia warned against harming monarchs
Austrian defeats France in war
Financial strain of war, food shortages, and high prices
Foreign Powers
August 10, 1792 royal family imprisoned by mob
New National Convention run by radical faction
Monarchy abolished
France declared a republic
End of Monarchy